precious, honored & loved...

Here is my-I'm going to be real with you guys-post. No one likes talking about this kind of stuff but, I'm personally tired of telling myself lies day after day. Let's be real with ourselves and each other and know that we were all made perfect in God's image. You are beautiful and cherished. The size of your jeans will never change that.

 My body image is a constant struggle. And I don't think I'm alone on that one! It is crazy how we are surrounded by images of the "perfect body", how to "look your best", get that "body you've always wanted", etc. We are feeding ourselves lies. It is hard enough to stand in that dressing room and try to tell yourself "I'm beautiful the way I am". Talk about a truth we should be telling ourselves more often! I found this verse in Isaiah and it was almost the Lord's way of telling me "You know what? You don't have to find comfort in that little number or letter behind the tag of your clothes. I love you and have saved you for who you are." 

"Because you are precious in My eyes, and honored, and I love you..." 

Isaiah 43:4

I had an experience the other day at H&M. An experience that has happened to me at many stores. Same story, different day. I'm currently looking for a graduation dress. (Yeah, I still haven't found it) I tried a dress that didn't fit wasn't the dress for me and immediately began to put myself down in the comfort of my dressing room. Where no one was there to stop me or tell me differently, I could completely destroy myself without anyone ever knowing the difference. "If you weren't so curvy, that dress would look perfect." "If you were a few pounds lighter, this would fit." "Did you see that girl out there with her pile of workout clothes? Yeah, where are yours Lauren? How many sun-salutations will you be doing in those yoga pants you are buying? None-that's what I thought too." 

Am I alone here? You know you have had a few conversations like that before. We need to stop ourselves right in the beginning. Yes, I believe that you need to take care of your body and practice healthy habits. But that doesn't mean submitting ourselves to unrealistic expectations. I have come to realize, regardless of my stage in life, I will never be a size 0. (If you are, go for it girly. Rock those skinny jeans for me, cause I certainly can't) I just wasn't made that way. I could have the perfect diet and exercise routine and I still wouldn't be a size 0. And that is okay. 

"She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her."

Proverbs 3:15

I have a choice to make every single day when I look in the mirror. Do I let my own personal criticisms run or do I look at myself and say, "Thank you Lord, for making my unique and special in Your eyes."? 

"I praise you because you are fearfully and wonderfully made." 

Psalm 139:14

I challenge you, sisters, to find your beauty not in the size of your jeans or how perfect your hair looks, but in your hearts. I know some truly beautiful people, their hearts are full of love for the Lord and His word and their words are clean, edifying, and encouraging. So, when you look in the mirror today, what do you see? Be still and know that He sees pure beauty. A women who is a princess of the Most High Kingdom. A daughter to the Almighty God. God is within her, she will not fall. 

"Do not let your adorning be external-the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear-but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious." 

1 Peter 3:3-4